Karttrika (ritual chopper)
Medium:Cast copper-alloy grip, gilded in part, steel blade
Geography: Tibet
Date: 19th century AD
Dimensions:23.3 x 15.8 x 4 cm
Object number: 930X138.1
Gallery Location:Sir Christopher Ondaatje South Asian Gallery
DescriptionThis special ritual knife, called a chopper or flaying knife, can be recognized by its crescent shaped blade. Used in rituals and held by deities, it symbolizes the "cutting away" of ignorance. Paired with a skull cup representing wisdom, the flaying knife symbolizes the skillful means necessary in Buddhist practice. This pairing of objects is designed to shock practitioners into realizing the implications of letting go of all their attachments.
